PHOTO: Justin Case
A fire has devastated the home of one of America’s oldest Masonic temples in Providence the Prince Hall Masonic Temple building.
The temple s history goes back to the 1700s and has played a historic role in America’s black community.
It was a central meeting place for much of Providence’s black community. It was where wedding anniversary dinners were held and where birthday parties were celebrated. Inside the building was the Acadia Club that on some nights doubled as a jazz club and featured local stars such as Leland Baker. So many memories in this place. I hope they can rebuild it back even better. What a gut punch this whole year has been. I ve DJ d and taken pictures there forever my wife had her 40th birthday there. The Christmas Day blaze required Providence Fire Department to call for three alarms, said Justin Case, Providence photographer.